Kenyah people

COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Een Kenyah familie Borneo TMnr 10005528

Kenyah mural painting

Tari Tani Dayak Kenyah 180618

Languages of Kalimantan

COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Het graf van een dochter van een Kenja Dajak vorst TMnr 60005442

Kenyah people are an indigenous group primarily residing in the Borneo island, which is divided among Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. The Kenyah people are part of the larger Dayak community, known for their traditional practices, intricate art, and deep connection with the rainforest. This article explores the culture, social structure, and contemporary issues facing the Kenyah people.

Culture and Society

The Kenyah society is traditionally organized into longhouses, which are large, communal living structures that house multiple families. These longhouses are central to Kenyah community life, serving as venues for ceremonies, social gatherings, and decision-making meetings. The Kenyah are known for their elaborate tattoos, intricate beadwork, and wood carving skills, which are considered among the finest in Borneo. Their art often depicts motifs from nature and mythology, reflecting their deep respect for the environment.

Music and dance are integral parts of Kenyah culture, with traditional instruments such as the sape, a type of lute, playing a central role in ceremonies and festivals. The Kenyah also have a rich oral tradition, with stories and legends passed down through generations, often accompanied by music and dance.

Economy

Traditionally, the Kenyah economy is based on swidden agriculture, also known as shifting cultivation or slash-and-burn agriculture, where fields are cleared by felling and burning trees, and crops are planted among the ashes. Rice is the staple food and central to Kenyah agriculture, with other crops including vegetables, fruits, and spices. Hunting, fishing, and gathering forest products also contribute to their livelihood.

In recent years, some Kenyah communities have been involved in modern economic activities, including working in urban areas or engaging in the tourism industry, showcasing their culture and art to visitors.

Religion

The Kenyah people practice a form of animism, believing in the presence of spirits in natural objects and phenomena. This belief system emphasizes a harmonious relationship with nature and involves various rituals and ceremonies to appease and communicate with the spirits. Christianity has also been adopted by a significant portion of the Kenyah population, leading to a syncretism of Christian and traditional beliefs.

Contemporary Issues

The Kenyah people face several contemporary challenges, including land rights disputes, deforestation, and the impact of modernization. The expansion of palm oil plantations, logging, and mining activities threatens their traditional lands, leading to conflicts over land rights and environmental degradation. These issues pose significant challenges to the Kenyah way of life, as their culture and economy are deeply intertwined with the forest and its resources.

Preservation of Culture

Efforts are being made to preserve Kenyah culture and traditions, including the documentation of their oral traditions, art, and music. Cultural festivals and the teaching of traditional crafts and skills to younger generations are among the initiatives aimed at keeping Kenyah heritage alive.